The Vatican and the White House may be in a diplomatic row over a handful of controversial invitees to Pope Francis's welcoming ceremony at the White House next week.

An openly gay Episcopal bishop, a transgender activist and an outspoken, pro-choice nun are expected to be among the thousands of attendees on the White House South Lawn when Francis arrives for a formal ceremony on Wednesday.

After published reports in the U.S. publicized that in recent days, including DailyMail.com, the Vatican on Friday expressed worry that any pictures of controversial attendees with Francis could be seen as papal support for them, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Pope Francis is well-known for urging tolerance and avoiding judgment, but he has maintained the Catholic church's stances on controversial social issues

The Vatican is concerned about any aspects of Pope Francis's visit to Cuba and the US next week could undermine the Catholic church's traditional stances against hot-button social issues such as abortion, homosexuality, transgenderism or gay marriage.

Later Friday, White House Spokesman Josh Earnest sought to downplay any differences, noting that a crowd of thousands are expected to welcome Francis upon his arrival.

'The goal here is to invite up to 15,00 people to the South Lawn of the White House, and the Ellipse, to welcome the pope to the White House,' Earnest said.

Earnest emphasized that White House staffers worked with religious organizations including those of the Catholic faith, to plan, coordinate and distribute tickets for the pope's visit.

If some in the crowd at Francis's welcoming ceremony happen to belong to the LGBT community, Earnest said that only speaks to America's diversity.

'We would expect a wide variety of Americans who are enthused about the opportunity to see the pope,' he said.

'I think that reflects the pope's stature and the significance of his visit, and the way he has inspired so many Americans, including a bunch of us who aren't Catholic.'

'So I would expect there would be a diverse crowd... to attend that ceremony. And I think the diversity of that crowd reflects the diversity of people in this country who are moved by the teaching and actions of this pope.'

White House Spokesman Josh Earnest on Friday downplayed any tensions with the Vatican over the guest list of invitees to see Pope Francis next Wednesday morning

The White House South Lawn, where Pope Francis will begin the first full day of his first papal visit to the US. A crowd of about 15,000 people is expected

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The invitees at Wednesday's arrival ceremony include retired Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson, who is considered the first openly gay Episcopal bishop - who also divorced his partner last year after previously divorcing his wife.

The transgender attendee who has been invited to meet the pope at the White House, Mateo Williamson, is a former co-leader of Dignity USA Transgender Caucus.

The pro-choice nun invited to the White House is Sister Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK, a 44-year-old national social justice lobbying group.

Campbell is traveling on a nationwide bus tour this week to promote social activism, voter turnout and other issues - her fourth.

However, Joe Ward, a NETWORK spokesman traveling with her, sent this statement to DailyMail.com:

'Sister Simone will be joining over 13,000 people attending the White House Papal Arrival Ceremony who represent a cross-section of American public life. She will not attend any private ceremonies at the White House, nor are we aware of any tensions with the Vatican.'

POPE IN AMERICA: WHERE THE PONTIFF WILL BE DURING FIVE-DAY TOUR

Pope Francis has never been to the United States and will arrive from Cuba at Andrews Air Force Base, near Washington on Tuesday 22 September.

WEDNESDAY - WASHINGTON DC

9.15 am Welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House

11.00 am Papal Parade along the Ellipse and the National Mall (time approximate)

11.30 am Midday Prayer with the bishops of the United States, St. Matthew's Cathedral

4.15 pm Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

THURSDAY - WASHINGTON DC AND NEW YORK

9.20 am Address to Joint Meeting of the United States Congress

11.15 am Visit to St. Patrick in the City and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

4.00 pm Depart from Joint Base Andrews

5.00 pm Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport

6.45 pm Evening Prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick's Cathedral

FRIDAY - NEW YORK

8.30 am Visit to the United Nations and address to the United Nations General Assembly

11.30 am Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center